ePub Loose Space: Possibility and Diversity in Urban Life by From Routledge in Arts-Photography

Description

In cities around the world people use a variety of public spaces to relax; to protest; to buy and sell; to experiment and to celebrate. Loose Space explores the many ways that urban residents; with creativity and determination; appropriate public space to meet their own needs and desires. Familiar or unexpected; spontaneous or planned; momentary or long-lasting; the activities that make urban space loose continue to give cities life and vitality. The book examines physical spaces and how people use them. Contributors discuss a wide range of recreational; commercial and political activities; some are conventional; others are more experimental. Some of the activities occur alongside the intended uses of planned public spaces; such as sidewalks and plazas; other activities replace former uses; as in abandoned warehouses and industrial sites. The thirteen case studies; international in scope; demonstrate the continuing richness of urban public life that is created and sustained by urbanites themselvesPresents a fresh way of looking at urban public space; focusing on its positive uses and aspects. Comprises 13 detailed; well-illustrated case studies based on sustained observation and research by social scientists; architects and urban designers. Looks at a range of activities; both everyday occurrences and more unusual uses; in a variety of public spaces -- planned; leftover and abandoned. Explores the spatial and the behavioral; considers the wider historical and social context. Addresses issues of urban research; architecture; urban design and planning. Takes a broad international perspective with cases from New York; London; Berlin; Amsterdam; Rome; Guadalajara; Athens; Tel Aviv; Melbourne; Bangkok; Kandy; Buffalo; and the North of England.